Investigating non-invasive brain stimulation for hand and foot pain after chemotherapy for bowel cancer
About the study
The TMaC Study is investigating whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can help reduce nerve pain caused by chemotherapy for bowel cancer.
We are looking for people with ongoing nerve pain following oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for bowel cancer who completed treatment at least 6 months ago.
Participation involves up to 7 sessions, including 4 in-person visits (~60 min each) to receive TMS treatment at the Neurophysiology Lab, Adelaide University, on Frome Road. All procedures are non-invasive and painless. Participants will receive $200 in vouchers as a thank-you for their time and contribution.
Eligibility requirements
You may be eligible if you:
- are aged 18 years or older
- experience ongoing pain in your hands or feet following oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy for bowel cancer
- completed chemotherapy at least 6 months ago
You will be ineligible if you:
- have a history of epilepsy
- have implanted cardiac pacemakers, implanted neurostimulators or metallic implants.
Recruitment timeline
Start of recruitment: Feb 2025
End of recruitment: December 2026
Benefits
Participants will receive $200 in vouchers as a thank-you for their time and contribution. Participation will also help improve understanding of whether TMS can reduce chemotherapy-induced nerve pain and how long any benefit may last.
